Combined Ex Vivo Organ Perfusion and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation

The importance of solid organ transplants is increasing due to the increasing incidence of end-stage organ diseases. With the limitations facing the recruitment of the suitable grafts, ex vivo organ perfusion (EVOP) techniques have been developed to increase the graft acceptance rates and improve the clinical outcomes.

The role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in this regard is not limited to the regenerative ability. MSCs have proved their ability to effectively modulate the immune response and inflammation. Accordingly, the idea of the combined ex vivo organ perfusion and MSCs transplant came to focus. This manuscript reviews some points that should be considered, while applying this technique.

The combined EVOP-MSCs is a therapeutic technique that should be soon applied in the practice of solid organ transplants. However, certain remarks should be considered on the pre-clinical levels before taking the studies further into the clinical levels. Although the present report will focus on the lung transplant, the ideas and the remarks are also to be considered for all other solid organ transplants, such as heart, liver and kidney.